LPRFC 24 Chicago Lions 29
In their first ever match at the D1 level, Park did not manage to come away with a win but did show they can compete at this level. Against an experienced Lions team containing a strong pack, Park struggled a little in the first half to maintain continuity but finished strongly to push their opponents to the final whistle.
Park got off the best possible start when the Lions were penalised only 30 seconds into the game and Bean kicked a 30 yard penalty to put Park ahead. There was bad news, however, Bean also suffered a broken thumb in the tackle and while he battled bravely to half-time his distribution was affected and was replaced by Hurst for the second period.
When Park were penalised right under their own posts for hands in the ruck, Eagle prop Vitale, stretched over from short range to put the Lions ahead. This lead was extended when their fly half, kicked ahead and when the Lions recovered ruck ball, was on hand to dive over. A penalty just before half for a late tackle on a kick gave the Lions the opportunity to push the lead to fourteen points at 17 - 3.
Hurley proved to be a standout performer in the first half for Park making numerous tackles all over the pitch. Bitar too was prominent in the tackle area as well as providing a sound platform in Park's scrums. A week long illness forced Hurley to leave the field early in the second half but Park were fortunate to have Wall as a ready made replacement.
Early in the second half, Park pulled back to within 7 points. The ball popped forward in the tackle and landed straight in the hands of Park's débutante flanker Jahner, who outpaced the Lions defence to race a full 50 yards for the try.
This was not to long as the Lions scored again with their inside center taking advantage of disorganization in Park's defensive line to score on an angled run. Park were at this point beginning to get a little more possession by upping the tempo of the game. Sakai took every opportunity to run at the Lions often from a quick tap penalty and forced his opposition onto the back foot. Suspect tackling however put Park in a deeper hoe when 3 players failed to stop a Lions lock forward.
Thoresen brought Park into the match, bullying over from a couple of yards at a ruck. Anderson on for the injured Joshi at fullback almost set up Kevin Coleman, slicing through half the Lions team on a scintillating run but his final pass was just a little too low. A second try for Jahner in the final 5 minutes taking a great pop from Wall gave Park hope and when Park caused a turnover in the dying seconds. Boroski kicked long for the chasing Collins but the Lions cover was able to force the ball dead and extinguish Park's final efforts.
